Biography

Lingamfelter earned his B.A. in history from the Virginia Military Institute in 1973 and his M.A. in government and foreign affairs from the University of Virginia in 1981. He has worked as a consultant for Computer Sciences Corporation, and he served in the United States Army from 1973-2001.[1] He

Campaign themes

2013 Delegate

Excerpt: "Press for bold reform in Virginia that actually reduces intrusion of all levels of government in the lives of our hard working citizens and the businesses that employ them."

Excerpt: "Strictly Oppose the overreach of the Federal Government in the affairs of Virginia and actively work to stop unconstitutional Federal mandates on Virginia businesses and citizens."

Excerpt: "Require a total audit of all of Virginia’s agencies and divisions and work to entice and provide businesses in manufacturing, agriculture and energy the greatest consideration and opportunity to prosper and grow in Virginia."

Excerpt: "Continue to provide the people of Virginia with an authentic conservative vote as a key leader in the House of Delegates."

2013 Lt. Governor

Incumbent Lieutenant GovernorBill Bolling (R) did not seek re-election in 2013. Nine candidates filed to fill the imminently-open executive seat, including two Democrats and seven Republicans. State Sen. Ralph Northam defeated Aneesh Chopra for the Democratic Party's nomination for lieutenant governor in the June 11 primary election.[5] Northam's general election opponent was Republican E.W. Jackson. Jackson was nominated by delegates of the Virginia Republican Party at the party-funded statewide primary convention on May 17-18.[6] Northam and Jackson faced off in the Nov. 5, 2013 general election, and Northam won by a margin of over 10 percentage points.[7]

When Virginia voters elected Democrat L. Douglas Wilder, the grandson of slaves, as its 66th Governor in 1989, it was the first time an African-American was elected to the office in the nation's history.[8] Given the state's heritage of trailblazing, it is notable that until Jackson's convention victory, Virginia Republicans had not nominated an African-American for any statewide office since backing Maurice Dawkins' a quarter of a century ago.[9]

A minister at a non-denominational church and relatively new member of the Republican Party, Jackson edged out six primary opponents by emphasizing his commitment to hallmark conservative issues such as smaller government, gun rights and traditional family values. He appealed to the delegation with the promise, "We will not only win an election in November, we will open the hearts and minds of our people and save this commonwealth and save this country."[10]

Regardless of his post-convention promise, Jackson was an unwelcome choice for the state's Republican establishment from the start, thanks to his refusal to divert from, or soften the rhetoric of, his "liberty agenda." The agenda contained the issues mentioned above, none of which were earth-shattering stances for a conservative; Jackson was anti-Obamacare, pro-Second Amendment and anti-federal overreach. His approach to delivering these messages, however, rose more concerns - as well as eyebrows - from the party than was originally anticipated. In August, Jackson referred to the Democratic Party as the "anti-God party" because of its supportive position on same-sex marriage and abortion, cementing his reputation for being impermeable to warnings about how his often inflammatory rhetoric might alienate swing voters or more moderate Republican voters heading into the general election. Then on Sept. 4, The Washington Post reported that his independent streak also extended to his behind the scenes campaign style. After securing the nomination in May, Jackson had not taken advantage of the Virginia Republican Party's massive pool of campaign resources. He declined offers to utilize the party's voter databases and related logistical tools in addition to field office venues across the state- a "virtually unheard-of forfeiture of resources for a statewide candidate."[11]

On the Democratic end, Northam, a pediatric neurologist who was first elected to the state legislature's upper chamber in 2008, wanted to win the lt. governor's office in order to restore Democratic control over the state senate. His campaign focused on improving education and creating jobs in energy efficiency, in addition to reversing the direction the Republican leadership had taken the state on women's health issues. "Their crusades to shut down reproductive health centers and to mandate costly and invasive medical procedures for women seeking abortions have embarrassed the Commonwealth, and have inserted government between doctors and their patients."[12][13]

The final campaign finance reporting cycle prior to the general election showed Northam maintaining an ample fundraising lead over Jackson, adding to the consistent edge he had shown in the polls. Jackson's remarkable refusal to accept assistance from the Republican Party had no doubt hindered him from overtaking Northam in money and/or voter support. His proven difficulties adhering to the state board of elections' filing protocols, having twice needed to amend his documentation of loans or donations, likewise boded unfavorably for the GOP nominee heading into the home stretch of what was an ultimately unsuccessful campaign.[14][15]

At the news conference in which he announced his candidacy, Lingamfelter said he would focus on jobs, education, government reform, public safety, and support for veterans and sportsmen.[16]

Lingamfelter outlined his priorities for the office of lieutenant governor on his official campaign website. He wrote, "As your Lt. Governor, I will...[17]

"Press for bold reform in Virginia that actually reduces intrusion of all levels of government into the lives of our hard working citizens and businesses which employ them."

"Strictly Oppose the over reach of the Federal Government in the affairs of Virginia and actively work to stop unconstitutional Federal mandates on Virginia businesses and citizens."

"Require a 100% Audit of all of Virginia’s Agencies and Divisions. Work to entice and provide businesses in manufacturing, agriculture and energy the greatest consideration and opportunity to prosper and grow in Virginia."

"Continue to provide the people of Virginia with an authentic conservative vote as the key tie breaker in the Senate of Virginia."

"Travel across the State as I serve the people to Listen, Learn and Lead with our shared visions."[17]

2011

Lingamfelter's website stated that he stands for "Faith, Family and Freedom - Virginia Values" and highlighted the following campaign themes:[18]

"A strong faith-based value system is critical to the future of our country. Our Founders knew this and we must return to such a posture if we are to remain a great State and Nation."

"Family is the best social program ever created. Government has a profound interest in encouraging sound families if we are to produce responsible citizens."

"Freedom is our most precious right. Government's primary purpose is to protect our freedoms. These freedoms include the right to life, freedom from oppressive taxation, and the right to keep and bear arms; rights all included in the U.S. Constitution by our Founding Fathers."

Elections

2013

Lingamfelter is running in the 2013 election for Virginia House of Delegates District 31. Lingamfelter ran unopposed in the June 11th Republican Primary. The general election takes place on November 5, 2013.

Race snapshot

Despite being in a district that gave President Barack Obama (D) 53 percent of the vote in 2012, incumbent Lingamfelter's history of defeating challengers works in favor of the Republicans holding this seat. Lingamfelter won in 2011 with 59 percent of the vote after his uncontested re-election bid in 2009. Democrats, including the Democracy for America PAC, pushed City of Alexandria general services director and volunteer fire fighter Jeremy McPike (D) as an alternative, but observers suggested this race, while worth watching, would likely result in victory for the Republicans.[19][20][21]

The Republican Party of Virginia held a closed primary convention on May 17-18, 2013 to nominate its candidates for governor, lt. governor, and attorney general. The candidate in each field who received the highest number of delegate votes at the convention advanced to the November 5, 2013 general election.[22]

2011

On November 8, 2011, Lingamfelter won re-election to District 31 of the Virginia House of Delegates. He was uncontested in the August 23 primary and was defeated by Roy Coffey in the November 8 general election.[23]